Tired of being taken for a ride by unscrupulous auto and taxi drivers, residents of Mumbai and Bangalore have decided to take matters into their own hands, launching a campaign to boycott these services on August 12.

Despite a fare hike, commuters continue to have forgettable encounters: Most autos and taxis have rigged meters; the drivers more often than not dupe passengers by taking longer routes; and foul language is just the norm.

More than 18,000 people have signed up for the campaign on Facebook, Twitter and the campaign website meterjam.com.

And now, the campaign has spread to cities like Bangalore, Delhi and Chennai as well.

"We should stop taking autos one day in a week so that these nasty and disgusting drivers will get some sense and learn their lessons," said Chetan J., a Bangalore resident. Another resident, Sachin Gadiyar, said, "With this a fear will be maintained amongst the auto drivers. We need to bring in honesty among the drivers."

The message is clear: No more getting taken for a ride, no more haggling over fares. The commuter has spoken.